Andrew Zimmern has The Munchies

Andrew Zimmern may not immediately conjure up thoughts of tasty snacks seeing as he hosts the always entertaining and sometimes cringe-inducing Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. Were you an avid fan and listener of his podcast, Go Fork Yourself, you would know, he’s much more than gooey duck, crickets and durian fruit.

Andrew and General Mills’ Tablespoon.com are requesting you take part in the second annual The Munchies: People’s Choice Food Awards. They have worked together to compile a list of nominees in categories ranging from the most iconic burger to the best local farmer’s market.

“Food is such a passion point for so many of us in this country, and I love being involved in anything that really gets people talking about the best of what’s out there,” said Zimmern. “The Munchies are an opportunity to spark a national conversation about food and give the public a chance to vote for their favorites.”

These awards are a celebration of the best food experiences and culinary tastemakers across America. Votes are currently being tallied and will continue through April 30th. You can vote once a day in an effort to help award the exceptional nominees who are working to reshape America’s food culture. Not only will your voice be heard, but a donation to Feeding America will be made on behalf of all of the voters and panelists.

“We are excited to highlight the culinary tastemakers who are shaping America’s food culture.  The Munchies gives food lovers a voice in celebrating the restaurants, chefs and media that deliver the most inspiring food experiences. Plus, we’ll be making a donation to Feeding America on behalf of all of the voters and panelists, so everyone who participates is also supporting a great cause,” said Heather Reid, Food Content Marketing at General Mills. “Every day, food lovers visit Tablespoon.com to discover and share the freshest, most amazing ideas from the world of food and drink, so it’s the perfect place to host The Munchies.”

Below are just a sampling of the categories and nominees you will find in The Munchies.  Make sure to head on over to The Munchies and cast your vote for your favorites!

Best Pizza

• Bar Toma, Chicago
• DiFara Pizza, Brooklyn, NY
• Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
• Pizzeria Mozza, Los Angeles
• Roberta’s Pizza, Brooklyn, NY
• Best Food TV Show
• “Chopped” (Food Network)
• “Iron Chef America” (Food Network)
• “The Taste” (ABC)
• “Top Chef” (Bravo)
• “Master Chef” (FOX)

Best Food TV Personality

• Alton Brown, “Good Eats” (Food Network)
• Andrew Zimmern, “Bizarre Foods” (Travel Channel)
• Anthony Bourdain, “The Taste” (ABC)
• Lidia Bastianich, “Lidia’s Italy” (PBS)
• Mario Batali, “The Chew” (ABC)

Best Food Magazine

• Bon Appétit (Condé Nast)
• Cooking Light (Time, Inc.)
• Food & Wine (American Express Publishing)
• Lucky Peach (McSweeney’s)
• Saveur (Bonnier Corporation)